Place the cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until combined, 30 seconds. Stop the machine.

Add 2 cups of the confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, blending with the mixer on low speed until the sugar is well incorporated, 1 minute. Add the maple flavoring and the melted butterscotch chips. Increase the mixer speed to medium and blend the frosting until fluffy, 1 minute longer, adding up to 1/2 cup more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to make a spreadable consistency.

Use to frost the cupcakes of your choice. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top if desired.

Chef Suggestions

Keep a little bottle of maple flavoring on your baking shelf and you'll find it particularly complements butterscotch and vanilla flavors. Add a drop or two to plain frostings or a generous teaspoon to cake batters for a more complex taste.